GRADUATE POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

The Office of Graduate Studies and all colleges and departments of the University have policies and procedures that must be met before a degree is granted. These requirements are described in this bulletin and in program documents provided by the academic departments.

Student Responsibilities

The student is responsible for becoming informed of and for fulfilling all degree-related requirements. If requirements for graduation have not been met, the degree will not be granted. In no case will a regulation be waived or an exception granted because a student is unfamiliar with the regulation.

As enrolled students at the University, graduate students are subject to all University policies and procedures pertaining to students generally, including student disciplinary policies and procedures.

Appeal of Graduate Regulations The Graduate Council, which represents the graduate faculty, reviews and recommends policies pertinent to the graduate program. In that capacity, the Graduate Council functions as the hearing body for requests for waiver of graduate policies and regulations. Requests for waiver of Graduate Studies regulations such as minimum admission requirements, time limit for program completion, candidacy requirements, etc., should be submitted to the Office of Graduate Studies. If an appeal is warranted, the student must present the request in writing. The appeal and supportive documentation are submitted to the Graduate Council for the decision. The Office of Graduate Studies informs the student of the outcome.

Requests for waiver of departmental graduate requirements such as higher grade point average, undergraduate preparation, prior certification, demonstrated performance, etc., that are unique to the particular program are considered by the departmental graduate committee. The student must present the request in writing to the graduate advisor or department head for consideration by the departmental graduate committee. The graduate advisor or department head informs the student of the outcome. If the student is not satisfied with the departmental committee's decision, the appeal is then considered by the college graduate committee. The college graduate committee chair informs the student of the outcome. In the event that the student is not satisfied with the college committee's decision, the appeal will be acted upon by the Graduate Council. The Office of Graduate Studies informs the student of the outcome. Students appealing admission denials should consult the catalog statement on Admission Requirements: Master's Degree.

Student Complaint Procedure

The university student complaint procedure for resolving complaints concerning a faculty member is outlined in the general University Bulletin.